Kathy F. Parker is the new program director for the LUM Community Thanksgiving Celebration. She is responsible for all aspects of the annual Thanksgiving Celebration where over 800 free meals will be served on Thanksgiving day at Central Presbyterian Church, Lafayette. The event also includes live entertainment, festive decorations and community fellowship.

Kathy grew up in Storrs, Connecticut (home of the University of Connecticut) and now lives in West Lafayette with her husband of 25 years, Brad, and their three children, Allie, Gabe & Caroline. Allie is a senior at Butler University, Gabe is a first-year student at Purdue University and Caroline is a sophomore at West Lafayette High School. They are members of Central Presbyterian Church and have two dogs, Duke and Jax, who they rescued in 2014. Kathy earned a BA in History from Roanoke College (Salem, VA) and an elementary teaching certificate from the University of Rhode Island. With LUM, Kathy serves on the Hunger Hike Fundraising Committee and engaged Central Presbyterian in this year's fundraising event.

Kathy shares that "it is my mission to consciously live, aware of the needs of others, and the injustice that surrounds us, and purposefully do what little I can to spread light to those around me." She finds inspiration in “women who are unafraid to boldly speak up for justice." Kathy is excited about her new role with LUM, and stated that "I love that the mission of LUM is not reserved only for those who call themselves ' Christian.' God is much bigger than any one faith, and He finds a way to use all of us. The people who work for LUM are faithful servants of a God who uses everyone to His purpose. It is an honor to be among them."

Kathy enjoys being active in the community and with her church as well as yoga, coffee with friends and card games with her family. 

LUM is fortunate to have Kathy Parker join the LUM staff.

Josh J. Prokopy is the new program director for the LUM  Turkey Trot 5K Run.  He is responsible for all aspects of the annual LUM  Turkey Trot 5K Run where hundreds of people will run, walk and stroll the 5K course early in the morning on Thanksgiving day. 

Josh grew up in Conway, Massachusetts and now lives in West Lafayette with his wife, Linda, and their three children, Annabel, Margaret & David. Anabel & Margaret are both 13 years old and in 8th grade at West Lafayette Junior/Senior High School, and David (10) is in 5th grade at Happy Hollow Elementary School, West Lafayette. They are members of Unitarian Universalist Church of Tippecanoe County. Josh earned a bachelor's in independent concentration from University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a Master's in Sociology and Master's in Social Work both from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Josh is active in the community with housing related organizations and with his church.

Josh shares that "my priorities are to raise my family as best I can, to let loose children who care about the world and our future, to better understand the world around me, and to try and make a difference, at least in a small way, within my community." He finds inspiration in his father, "who was extremely independent minded and hard working, and never cared a hoot for what anyone else thought of him. He lived his own life in his own way, but did so much to enrich the world around him." Josh is excited about his role with LUM, and stated that "If we can do anything at all to give people a renewed sense of hope, then we've made a huge impact in their lives."

Josh is an avid home-brewer of beer, a writer of young adult fiction and has a 2nd degree black belt in Taekwondo. He belongs to a writer's critique group in Indianapolis, has two published short stories and a novel in the works. He enjoys being out in nature, and spending time with friends and family engaged in meaningful conversation, "preferably over a glass of excellent home brewed beer."

LUM is fortunate to have Josh Prokopy join the LUM staff.

Members of Crestview Community Church recently volunteered with LUM. A hardworking team of C3 volunteers painted the exterior of one of LUM's rental properties.

It's amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do to transform the entire look of a house and property.

LUM is grateful to the leadership and membership of Crestview Community Church for their continued support.